“Who is there?” he called out.
“A friend,” was the reply, in a hoarse, evidently disguised voice.
“What is your name, friend?”
“That doesn't matter. I have news, important news for you, Dick Dare”
“You have no news for me that I don't know already,” retorted the youth.
“What do you mean?” There was a quick suspicion in the voice.
“I mean that I know you are a Tory, and that you have a number of companions, and intend to try to get hold of my brother and myself and tie us up and whip us. I don't feel like permitting that, so you had better go away, if you value your skins, for if you try to bother us, we will surely defend ourselves and do harm to you–if we can.”
Evidently the man realized it was useless to carry the deception further, for he cried out, sneeringly:
“Oh, will you indeed, Dick Dare? Well, let me tell you something, my bold young rebel: When we get through with you, you will not be in a position to harm anybody. We are going to take you out and whip you soundly, as should be done with all such traitors to the king as you two are!”
“I give you fair warning,” replied Dick, sternly; “if you attempt to injure myself and brother, you will get badly hurt. Go about you business and leave us alone.”